A Lifelong Love Affair with Argumenty i Fakty

Hello there!

I'm not exactly a fan of video content. I much prefer reading printed text, where I can take my time, absorb the information, and refer back to it as needed. As a result, I rarely watch TV or online videos, opting for books and newspapers instead.

I've subscribed to various publications over the years, but one thing that's remained constant is my subscription to Argumenty i Fakty.

This year, the newspaper is celebrating a significant milestone – 45 years of serving readers with integrity. The first issue was published way back in 1978, which makes us almost contemporaries. I'm a bit older, of course.

As far back as I can remember, every Wednesday, the newspaper would arrive in my mailbox. Initially, it was accompanied by Pionerskaya Pravda and Koster, followed by Rovesnik and Studenchesky Meridian. Later, it had to make room for professional publications. There was a time when it was pushed to the sidelines by women's magazines and children's publications. As time passed, I changed, my life changed, but my love for Argumenty i Fakty remained unwavering. Remember that little poem from our school notebooks?

There's better, there's worse...

But my heart has made its choice, and nothing else will do.

I've got to say, the Argumenty i Fakty has a huge following. It's no surprise they're in the Guinness Book of Records as the most widely circulated print publication. Back in 1990, their circulation was an astonishing 33 million copies. I'm pretty sure every family had a subscription.

Let me show you aroundI've got a routine that's stayed the same over the years. I start with the front page, then flip through in reverse order, from the last to the first.

That's roughly the order I'll take you through my favorite newspaper.

One of the standout features is the collages by Andrei Dorofeev, which always capture the theme of the issue and are sharp and timely. Nowadays, computer-generated collages aren't a big deal, but back in the early 90s, they were a real marvel. I'm not sure how long the photographer has been working with the paper, but for me, they're inextricably linked with Argumenty i Fakty – as far back as I can remember, he's been a part of the team.

By the way, over the years, Argumenty i Fakty has had only four chief editors – that's a testament to the paper's enduring appeal.

The front cover has a rundown of the articles and photos of the issue's main subjects.

A Little Bit of Everything

I love starting my day with the "Q&A" section, where the editors answer some pretty unexpected questions from readers.

Like, how long do frozen embryos actually live? When will debt collector agencies be banned? When did surnames become a thing? Can you really pour a bucket of water on your neighbor's lawn? The newspaper gives you the lowdown on all these curious questions. And every now and then, they release a special edition with "super questions and answers" - it's a real page-turner.

Next up is the fun section - "Free Time" with all sorts of puzzles, crosswords, and word searches. You can give your brain a workout and try to solve the picture puzzles, too.

I've got to say, the crosswords are a real treat for my brain - they're challenging, with great clues that really get you thinking. You know, solving crosswords is actually a great way to prevent dementia, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a fan. But, I have to admit, I've never actually completed a crossword in one sitting - there's always room for improvement. Talents and Fans

One of my favorite features is the interviews with famous people - it's always great to hear their thoughts and opinions, even if you don't always agree with them. The writers do a great job of sharing stories about celebrities who have passed away, without getting too caught up in the gossip - it's a really respectful approach.

Life HacksI've come across some pretty wild and crazy stories in my time, but one that still sticks with me is the story of a kid who was severely burned in a fire. I remember reading about it in a magazine years ago and it really stuck with me. I often wonder what happened to him and if he's okay.

There are plenty of other stories like that one that have been published in the magazine over the years.

Ask Me AnythingI've been impressed by the magazine's ability to break down complex scientific topics and medical news into something that's easy to understand. As someone who's not exactly a science whiz, I appreciate the fact that they're making this information accessible to readers like me.

Even if you've heard some of these tips before, they're always worth a read.

One thing that really gets my goat is the 'Ask the Doctor' section - it's basically just a bunch of generic advice telling you to consult a specialist. I was expecting some actual expert guidance, not just a referral to someone else.

I've got to give credit where credit is due, though - the materials from Polina Ivanushkina, who heads up the 'AIF. Dobroe Serdce' charity, really tug at the heartstrings. It's heartbreaking to read about kids and parents struggling with illness, but it's amazing to hear about the charity's work and how they're making a difference in people's lives.

I have to admit, I used to send 200 rubles to this cause every time I read an article in this section. But then things escalated, and I found myself helping out those around me who were in a tough spot. Next thing I knew, it was our turn to support those in our own neighborhood who were struggling. And it doesn't seem to be letting up.

Of course, some people might think I'm just being sentimental, that 200 rubles isn't worth the fuss. But I see it differently. If everyone just donated a small amount, it would add up quickly. And that's exactly what this campaign is all about – reminding us that we still have a heart, that we can still empathize with others and feel their pain.

The Heart Remembers, Never ForgetsI've always been struck by how often books about World War II focus on the role of the Allied forces, while barely mentioning the Soviet Union's crucial part in the war. It's even rarer to see accounts of the battles fought on our own soil, and almost never do I see stories about the sacrifices our people made to achieve victory. Meanwhile, I've lost count of how many times I've read about the poor European soldiers who got trapped in the Stalingrad pocket, and those who miraculously survived, albeit badly injured. Why don't authors ever tell us how those soldiers ended up in Stalingrad in the first place?

This year has been filled with anniversary celebrations: Stalingrad, the lifting of the Leningrad blockade, and the liberation of Russian cities from fascist forces. Each issue of 'Arguments and Facts' has featured articles on military history, so we don't forget our past and can pass on the memories of those fiery days.

When I was in school, we had a weekly political briefing every Monday, where students and teachers would share updates on current events. I'd often get my information from 'Arguments and Facts', and now teachers can use the paper's articles to make their lessons more engaging. There are so many fascinating and gripping moments described in the paper's materials – I even share excerpts with my family.

We all know about Pavlov's House in Stalingrad, but I was amazed to discover that a baby was born in the basement during the siege. The mother had no milk, so she fed the newborn a mixture of burnt flour and water. It's a miracle that both the mother and child survived several months in a house that was constantly under fire.

I've read The Diary of Anne Frank and I have to say, it's a real tear-jerker. I mean, we can't compare our own struggles to what Anne and her family went through, but it's still a powerful story. They managed to live in relative comfort for two years, despite the war raging on. But what about all the kids who didn't make it? The ones who lost their families, had to go through hell, and were left with nothing? It's like their stories are being erased.

I have to say, the way Argumenty i Fakty presents our history is really engaging, even for someone who's not into historical stuff. The articles are well-written and make you want to keep reading.

And from our window

Every issue of Аргументы и Факты comes with a regional insert, which is included in the price of the main magazine. For us, it's АиФ. Белгород.

I’ve gotta say, I was surprised by how often local news just rehashes what you can find online, but they do add a nice personal touch with reader questions and comments.

On the other hand, local journalists are doing a great job of covering real news about our community, like the amazing stories of our neighbors who are making a difference.

Lately, it seems like the local news is focusing on the human side of things, like how people are coming together to support each other during tough times. And it’s not just our community - neighboring regions are stepping up to help us out, and we’re lucky to have a governor who’s leading the way.

How’s life treating you, country? And don’t even get me started on the everyday issues that affect us all - utility bills, inflation, transportation, and social services. The local news is always on top of these stories, digging deep to give us the inside scoop.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of reading official policy and economic reports. Politics just isn't my thing, and I'm sure most people only care about the economy when they see it in their paychecks, utility bills, or grocery store prices.

I'd much rather read about the lives of everyday people, like my neighbors and friends. Journalists have a knack for finding compelling stories and presenting them in a relatable way.

My Favorites Among journalists, there are a few who stand out to me. I'll never forget Olga Kostenko-Popova, whose lighthearted articles I devoured eagerly - thanks to her for sharing her warmth and kindness with us, we could really use more of that now.

Julia Shigareva is a beauty and a genius.

I've been following Georgy Zotov's adventures, and I'm always impressed by his in-depth reports on life outside our country. He doesn't just write about popular tourist spots, but delves into the heart of the matter, sharing stories about the traditions and customs of far-off lands. The little details he includes are often more insightful than anything you'd find in a Wikipedia article or textbook. Reading his reports, I'm reminded of the lost authority of Russia abroad, and how fewer and fewer foreigners are learning our language. It's clear that our cultural and linguistic influence is dwindling. As a journalist, Georgy offers practical advice to our business leaders and policymakers – take note, because he's spot on. For example, he points out that countries like Ethiopia are eager to do business with us, offering cheap raw materials and competitive prices. Mangoes cost just 34 rubles per kilogram, roses are 12 rubles, and tea is a steal. But we're not taking advantage of these opportunities directly; instead, we're buying their products through European intermediaries, often at a much higher price.

I also appreciate the analytical work of journalist Vyacheslav Kostikov, who's not afraid to speak his mind and challenge official views. His writing is thought-provoking, and you can often sense the depth of his knowledge and experience. I have a lot of respect for him. I especially value the weekly Arguments and Facts for its relevance and quick response time. Just recently, the authors of Airic discussed trimming animal nails, and there was an article about it in the newspaper. Or we argued about the possibility of punishing children in school and at home, and there's fresh material on that too. For its timeliness and speed of reaction. The newspaper's authors are always on top of things. For preserving traditions. The authors aren't swayed by trendy tolerance; they stand up for our country's uniqueness. For being modern. The newspaper, despite its age, doesn't stagnate; it's always pushing forward, keeping up with the times and even leading the way in the online space. Their website gets over 30 million visitors every day. By the way, if you're not already subscribed to their Telegram channel, I'd recommend getting on that – all the latest news appears there first. For its commitment to quality. The newspaper's authors are always striving to produce high-quality content that's engaging and informative.

What I love about this newspaper is that they actually listen to their readers, understand their concerns, and cater to their interests - sometimes the most basic, but essential ones.

I've never seen the newspaper resort to sensationalism, yellow journalism, or just plain trash. Yes, they had to adapt to the changing times, but the journalists did it with dignity.What I miss

Not too long ago, the newspaper changed its layout. I'm not a fan of the new design. The news ticker at the top of each page was a great feature, and without it, the newspaper just doesn't feel the same.

I also miss seeing the author's name and photo at the end of each article. Now, they're moved to the top, and the photos are mostly gone. It's a shame.

Many newspapers, including this one, have a trick up their sleeve: during subscription campaigns, the newspaper gets thicker, the content is more vibrant, and after the campaign, it shrinks back down, like it's exhaling contentedly.I'd like to see less advertising and sponsored content, but I understand where they're coming from. Without ads, each issue would be incredibly expensive, and many readers wouldn't be able to afford it.

Don't Break Up with Your FavoritesI'm not gonna lie, the subscription isn't cheap these days, but we make do. If I wasn't willing to give up my weekly magazine back in the 90s, I definitely won't now. Our local post office isn't even working, but they still deliver the newspaper right to my mailbox. I sign up online.

Our family's life is basically unthinkable without 'Arguments and Facts'. My parents used to read it, and now my kids are browsing through it. I hope to introduce it to my grandkids one day too.

I hope I didn't bore you with my long review. I just wanted to share my love for this magazine with you. Maybe you'll want to grab the latest issue too. Who knows, maybe you'll become a regular reader.After all, 'Aif' is your newspaper, my newspaper, our newspaper.

Wishing my favorite magazine continued success!Thanks for reading my review.

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